Medical Design Briefs - March 2024 - 27

n Using Static
Electricity to Enhance
Biomedical Implants
Researchers have created
electrostatic materials
that function even with extremely
weak ultrasound, heralding the era of permanent implantable
electronic devices in biomedicine. Recent research
explores implantable medical devices that operate wirelessly,
yet finding a safe energy source and protective materials remains
challenging. Presently, titanium (Ti) is used due to its
biocompatibility and durability. However, radio waves cannot
pass through this metal, necessitating a separate antenna for
wireless power transmission. Consequently, this enlarges the
device size, creating more discomfort for patients.
The research team developed an electrostatic material capable
of responding to weak ultrasound by utilizing a composite
of high dielectric1 polymers (P(VDF-TrFE)) and a high dielectric
constant ceramic material known as calcium copper titanate
(CCTO, CaCu3Ti4O12). This material generates static
electricity through friction between its material layers, producing
effective electrical energy, and possesses an extremely low
output impedance, facilitating efficient transmission of the
generated electricity.
Using this technology, the research team created an implantable
neurological stimulator powered by ultrasound-based energy
transmission, eliminating the need for batteries. This was
confirmed through experimental validation. In animal model
trials, the device was activated even at standard imaging ultrasound
levels (500 mW/cm2), imposing minimal strain on the
human body. Furthermore, it effectively mitigated symptoms
related to abnormal urination caused by overactive bladder disorders
through nerve stimulation. (Image credit: Clayton Metz
for Virginia Tech)
For more information, visit www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/
roundup/0324/static-electricity.
n 'Smart Glove' Boosts Hand
Mobility
A new washable wireless smart textile
technology has potential uses in virtual
reality and American Sign Language.
The glove incorporates a sophisticated
network of highly sensitive sensor
yarns and pressure sensors that are woven into a comfortable
stretchy fabric, enabling it to track, capture, and wirelessly
transmit even the smallest hand and finger movement.
Unlike other products in the market, the glove is wireless
and comfortable and can be easily washed after removing the
battery. The research team has developed advanced methods
to manufacture the smart gloves and related apparel at a relatively
low cost locally.
The researchers envision a seamless transition of the glove
into the consumer market with ongoing improvements, in collaboration
with different industrial partners. The team also
sees potential applications in virtual reality and augmented reality,
animation, and robotics. (Image credit: Lou Bosshart/
UBC Media Relations)
For more information, visit www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/
roundup/0324/smart-glove.
Medical Design Briefs, March 2024
n COVID-19 Test Produces
Results in One Minute
Researchers have developed a
potential COVID-19 test inspired by
bioluminescence. Using a molecule
found in crustaceans, they have created
a rapid approach that detects
SARS-CoV-2 protein comparably to
one used in vaccine research.
Previous research suggests that IPT luciferins could serve as the
basis for a new type of medical test that uses luminescence to announce
the presence of a target protein in a specimen. The team
suspected that an IPT luciferin could react with the SARS-CoV-2
spike protein, which allows the virus particles to invade cells and
cause COVID-19 - and open the door to develop a glowing test.
The team first investigated 36 different IPT luciferins' abilities
to react with a single unit of spike protein. Only one molecule,
which came from tiny crustaceans from the genus Cypridina,
emitted light. They found that, over the course of 10 minutes, an
adequate amount of light could be detected. A commercially
available luminescence reading device was required; the light
could not be seen by the naked eye.
Finally, they found that the luciferin could detect the amount of
the spike protein in saliva with the same accuracy as a technique
currently used in vaccine development. However, the luciferin system
delivered results in one minute - significantly faster than the
current rapid point-of-care tests. (Image credit: Ryo Nishihara)
For more information, visit www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/
roundup/0324/covid-test.
n Artificial Muscle Device
Produces Force 34 Times Its
Weight
Researchers have developed a fluid
switch using ionic polymer artificial
muscles that operates at ultra-low
power and produces a force 34 times greater than its weight. Fluid
switches control fluid flow, causing the fluid to flow in a specific
direction to invoke various movements.
Artificial muscles imitate human muscles and provide flexible
and natural movements compared to traditional motors, making
them one of the basic elements used in soft robots, medical devices,
and wearable devices. These artificial muscles create movements
in response to external stimuli such as electricity, air pressure,
and temperature changes, and in order to utilize artificial
muscles, it is important to control these movements precisely.
The ionic polymer artificial muscle developed by the research
team is composed of metal electrodes and ionic polymers, and it
generates force and movement in response to electricity. A polysulfonated
covalent organic framework (pS-COF) made by combining
organic molecules on the surface of the artificial muscle
electrode was used to generate an impressive amount of force relative
to its weight with ultra-low power (~0.01V).
The artificial muscle, which was manufactured to be as thin as a
hair with a thickness of 180 µm, produced a force more than 34
times greater than its light weight of 10 mg to initiate smooth
movement. The research team was able to precisely control the
direction of fluid flow with low power. (Image credit: KAIST)
For more information, visit www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/
roundup/0324/artificial-muscles.
www.medicaldesignbriefs.com
27
http://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/roundup/0324/covid-test http://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/roundup/0324/static-electricity http://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/roundup/0324/artificial-muscles http://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com/roundup/0324/smart-glove http://www.medicaldesignbriefs.com
Medical Design Briefs - March 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Medical Design Briefs - March 2024
